I’m tired of landscape architects, designers, nurserymen and “flower gardeners” rolling their eyes whenever the topic of edible landscaping comes up. Many of these people dismiss it as the latest trendy fad; an insignificant form of gardening practiced by neophytes or old hippies; a style of garden that lacks true form, structure, aesthetics or meaning; and one that really isn’t worth considering except to chuckle. Professionals trained in design, particularly, seem to believe that building a garden incorporating edible plants as integral devices for giving meaning, structure and use to a garden design, is less noble and worthy than designing a garden of architectural devices: hardscape elements, built structures, symmetry, axiality, and plant materials that serve form – usually formal
As the days shorten, and the darkness arrives earlier and earlier, colder weather sets in (usually, but so far not this year), and, like it or not, we all have more time to reflect, become introspective and ponder our lives and the world around us. For some, especially gardeners, landscapers and outdoor enthusiasts, the receding daylight is not always welcome. There can be chores to catch up on. But as with the changing of all seasons, there is an opportunity now to appreciate the ever spinning wheel of life, and the special qualities of late fall, and the upcoming winter season.

Since times eternal, wreaths with their circular shapes have symbolized the eternal rhythms and cycles of the four seasons. …